Darwin’s TIO Stadium would transform into an AFL ‘hub’ under a proposal AFLNT has pitched to head office.
AFL management has been busy hammering out the logistics of a 17-game season, with the 2020 campaign currently suspended until May 31 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Playing games at iconic suburban grounds in Melbourne including Ikon Park, Whitten Oval, Victoria Park and Moorabbin has reportedly been discussed.
But AFLNT boss Stuart Totham has revealed the AFL is considering his proposal to base up to six clubs in the Top End.
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“We’ve been in contact with head office about playing a carnival or hub concept of four or six teams playing matches in Darwin for a month and beaming them into the southern states,” Totham told NT News.
“We want to bring as much AFL football to the Territory as we can and if it’s two games, that’s great, but if the hub concept gets off the ground, even better.’’
It is understood the proposal would see teams set up camp in Darwin and play each other at TIO Stadium over several weeks after an initial 14-day isolation period.
Melbourne and Adelaide, who were set to meet at Alice Springs' Traeger Park on May 17, and Gold Coast and St Kilda, who were slated to clash at TIO Stadium on June 13, appear logical candidates to enter the Darwin ‘hub’ if the idea gets off the ground.
Gold Coast spokesperson Craig Rowston said the concept has the ‘full support’ of the Suns.
As of Sunday morning, the Northern Territory has reported fewer than 30 cases of COVID-19.
